So you want to be a poet?

So you want to be a poet —/ Just start writing and do it.

You think you’ll dash off a poem quickly/ And send it off to that famous weekly.

You think you’ll make a lot of bread/ By sending verses to the Ed.

From morn to evening you bust your brains/ Thinking you’ll be showered with gold coins.

You think you’ll make big bucks —/

You’re so naive, Aw shucks!

You think writing poems is an easy way to get rich?/ Remember, in life, there’s always a hitch.

Please don’t ask the Ed for any money,/ Because you won’t get a penny, honey.

He hasn’t given a paisa to Jal,/ Why should he give you any, pal?

There’s one more thing you should know,/ Even though it may give a big blow to your ego.

Your poem — you may write it,/ But don’t expect anyone to read it!

JAL S. DESAI

jaldesai@hotmail.com